Black Sea bonito abundance drives down fish prices in Turkey

An abundance of bonito (palamut) in the Black Sea has led to a significant drop in fish prices across Turkish coastal regions, particularly in Zonguldak. Due to favorable sea temperatures, fishermen are reporting high catch volumes, which has been passed on to consumers.

In Zonguldak and Kozlu, prices for large bonito have dropped to approximately 200 TL for three fish, with individual fish weighing between 500 and 600 grams. Other seafood options, including anchovy, horse mackerel, and bluefish, are being sold at around 100 TL per kilogram. While prices have reached seasonal lows, fishermen note that costs for fuel, taxes, and logistics prevent prices from falling much further.

Local vendors expressed optimism that if larger fishing vessels join the current small-boat catches, prices could decrease even more.